Stuart Hall, a key figure in Cultural Studies, extensively engaged with the concept of "hegemony." This term, originally developed by the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci, describes the way dominant groups in society maintain their dominance by securing the consent of subordinate groups through cultural and ideological means rather than by direct coercion.
Hall's work in Cultural Studies frequently examined how media and culture play a critical role in perpetuating hegemony, by shaping societal norms, values, and beliefs. He was interested in how cultural institutions (like media) contribute to the maintenance of power structures and how they can also become sites of resistance.
Year-wise PYQs
